REINFRIED HERBST CHANGES TO FISCHER

Reinfried Herbst and Fischer Sports are to join forces in future. The 33-year-old visited the Ried-based company in Austria and signed a two-year contract.

The Austrian skier sees this primarily as a new boost in motivation: "I celebrated big successes with my former equipment sponsor and I will always have fond memories. But the time has come for me to think about the future and motivate myself once again. This new wind is a real boost for me to reach my next goals – and there are plenty of them!"

Herbst is out of action for the time being due to recent shoulder surgery and has to take it easy for another month. He is aiming to come back at the end of May for new equipment tests: "In 1996, my first year with the Austrian Ski federation, I had Fischer skis, and I am now back with the Upper Austrian company in this final phase of my career. I am convinced that the complete package of skis, boots and bindings is ideal for me. More than anything I had a perfect feeling straight away with the boots – as soon as I was in them – which is something new for me. I'm sure that I can make it back to the top again with the new equipment."

Everyone at Fischer is also more than delighted about the new signing. And leading the way with praise, Fischer Racing Director Siegi Voglreiter, "Reinfried has it in him to win everything again in Slalom. He is a brilliant Slalom skier with excellent technique. I hope he will be fit again soon after his chipped shoulder bone. I like the fact that he is brimming with confidence, that's a good sign!"